Avoid COVID-19 with these at-home accessible extracurriculars
By Riya Khatod, Staff Writer
Now that Samo has transitioned to online learning, many students are finding it difficult to find extracurricular activities that are COVID-19 friendly.
One way to stay involved online and gain new skills is through taking an online course. This could be school-related or based on a skill you are passionate about. Many students, including Violet Sparks (’22) who is taking Psychology at SMC, find that taking an online school course helps them not only get ahead, but is also a useful way to stay busy during quarantine.
“I am taking psychology. The busier I keep myself, the less I think about [COVID-19] and I enjoy learning about why people behave the way they do,” Sparks said.
Others, including Ella Crandall (’23) believe that taking a break from school to spend a few hours on music or art helps them make the most of their quarantine.
“It’s always a good idea to take a break from school and do something you’re passionate about. For me, that is voice and piano lessons. When I am singing or playing the piano I become less stressed and it is very important for my mental health,” Crandall said.
Furthermore, a great way students can stimulate their minds, pad their college resumes and win a cash prize or scholarship is by joining a creative contest. There are plenty of essay, art and film contests online to choose from. For example, the Ocean Awareness Contest began in September of 2020. Submissions can be in the form of a variety of arts including poems, paintings and film, but all must illustrate the way climate change is impacting ocean life. Winners may receive up to a $1,500 scholarship. The deadline for submissions is June of 2021.
Another way to take advantage of the COVID-19 quarantine is to start your own small business or nonprofit. Mattin Aframian (’23) decided to start his own music theory and history class to expand his knowledge of business and teaching while capitalizing on his music interest.
Starting a business is not an easy process. It takes time, effort and patience. In Aframian’s case, it took most of the summer to set up a website and about a week to create a curriculum. In order to gain support and students, Aframian sent emails to the orchestra directors at Samo, Lincoln and other schools in Santa Monica.
In order to maintain a business and allocate the necessary time and effort needed for a business to thrive, students must choose a topic that interests them.
“I was inspired by my love of music theory and history, so this whole process has been really fun. I recommend doing something you enjoy and sticking to it,” Aframian said.
Finding new and innovative ways to capitalize on quarantine may seem difficult, but there are plenty of online resources and enjoyable, socially distanced programs available to students.
